Jenelle Evans is earnestly seeking understanding and solace amidst a tumultuous period. The Teen Mom veteran issued a poignant plea for privacy weeks after her son, Jace Evans, aged 16, was admitted to a mental health facility following an alleged incident with his grandmother, Barbara Evans, in February.
"I shouldn't even be posting anything here, but I feel compelled to," Jenelle, 34, said in a TikTok video uploaded on March 28. "At this juncture, it's crucial for my family to preserve their privacy."
The reality star—who shares Jace with ex-partner Andrew Lewis—vehemently dismissed rumors that she was "doing nothing" during this ordeal, asserting that she had withdrawn from social media to concentrate solely on her son's well-being.
"Behind the scenes, I'm doing everything within my power for my child, and I'm acting in his best interests," she continued. "It's not your business to know what's going on."
Jenelle therefore implored the public—as well as extended family members—to give her space as she navigates this personal matter.
"With all due respect, including my family, please just give us some breathing room," she said. "Let us breathe."
She concluded by asserting, "I am not the villain in this scenario, and eventually, you all will see that."
While Jenelle—who is also a mother to Kaiser Griffith, 11, with ex-partner Nathan Griffith and Ensley Eason, 9, with ex-partner David Eason—didn't disclose the specifics of Jace's treatment, she did share photos of the teenager on her Instagram Stories on March 28, showing him on an airplane gazing out the window and using a tablet.
Earlier this month, Jenelle's representative confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that Barbara—with whom Jace had been residing—had called 911 after he allegedly pulled a gun on her during the Feb. 22 incident. The family was still searching for the most suitable facility "to meet his needs," they said.
Seven Brunswick County police officers responded to an incident at Barbara's home in North Carolina—described as a "troubled teen disturbance" by authorities—according to a police report obtained by TMZ. In a statement to E! News on March 12, Jenelle's rep said, "Out of respect for our client's family, we kindly request that the media respect the privacy of her son. Jenelle remains focused on protecting her child's well-being and maintaining a safe, private environment for her family during this trying time."
